Good morning, Grand Forks.

A local drive led by Justice for Katarina LLC and the Grand Forks AFB community is collecting winter gear — such as jackets, gloves and boots — as well as hygiene items for the Northeast Behavioral Health Clinic at 151 4th St. Donations can be dropped off on the fourth floor of the county building until Dec. 15.

Last night at approximately 9:44 p.m., crews from the Grand Forks Fire Department responded to a fire on the roof of the vacant Burger King Restaurant at 3765 Gateway Drive and quickly extinguished the flames with minimal damage reported; investigators are checking the cause.

Fargo-based R.D. Offutt Farms agreed to pay $82,770 to 442 workers after the Minnesota Department of Labor found most employees could not use their paid sick leave — the company also issued $80,800 in checks to 101 migrant workers for falling short on employment documentation.

The settlement follows a state law requiring one hour of paid sick and safe time for every 30 hours worked.

Weird Al Yankovic will perform at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks on August 29 at 8 p.m.—Tickets will go on sale on November 21 at 10 a.m.

A study led by Colorado State University experts found that partial solar panel shade increased plant growth by about 20% in water-starved grasslands — a result that may guide North Dakota’s first utility-scale solar farm planned for 2026.

Local experts including the state fire marshal and NDSU’s Farm & Ranch Safety specialist explained how grain elevator fires start from mechanical heat, electrical faults, hot work, smoldering grain and combustible dust—detailing safeguards to reduce risk in the Red River Valley.

Christmas in the Park 2025

5:30-10 p.m. — Lincoln Drive Park — Free entry — Experience a festive drive-through display of holiday lights and decorations.

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Alerus Center — Cost info not provided — Experience the magic of holiday circus artistry with thrilling acrobatics and beloved seasonal melodies.

Hairball's 25th Anniversary Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Alerus Center — Tickets required — Experience an electrifying homage to 80s arena rock with Hairball's spectacular show.

Montana Grizzlies vs North Dakota Fighting Hawks Men’s Basketball

1-4 p.m. — Betty Engelstad Sioux Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a thrilling NCAA Division I basketball rivalry between two top Big Sky Conference teams.

Blue Violin Candlelight Christmas Extravaganza

2-3:30 p.m. — Empire Arts Center — Tickets required — Experience an enchanting concert blending Christmas carols with rock anthems in a candlelit setting.

World Ballet Company's Nutcracker Performance

7-8:30 p.m. — Chester Fritz Performing Arts Center — Tickets $51.25 - $102.55 — Experience the magical tale of The Nutcracker performed by the World Ballet Company.

Christmas with Lorie Line

3:00-5:00 p.m. — Empire Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the Christmas season with Lorie Line’s festive piano performance and heartwarming stories.